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52 places to practise yoga in Costa Rica

Regions of Costa Rica

Most Popular Destinations in Costa Rica: Playas del Coco

Playas del Coco is a lively, easy-to-reach beach town on Guanacaste's Gulf of Papagayo, about 30 minutes from Liberia airport. It suits travelers who want a convenient base for diving, boat trips and nightlife, and it's a short hop from the calmer bays of Ocotal and Hermosa.

By Sara Zen · Published · Updated

Update, November 2026: We've rechecked the places in this guide. Rancho Armadillo, Bahia Pez Vela and La Puerta del Sol are still open. Citron restaurant is listed as permanently closed, and we couldn't confirm that Villa Italia, Pisces, the Haras del Mar riding club or the Impulso Sano yoga studio still operate, so we've taken them out of the lists below. Our 2012 description of La Puerta del Sol mixed it up with a different hotel near San José; that's corrected below.

Playas del Coco ("Coco") is one of the most accessible beach towns in Guanacaste, about 30 minutes' drive from Guanacaste Airport in Liberia. The town has a long, gray-sand beach on a sheltered bay, lined with trees, restaurants, tour operators and small shops. It's busy and social, with a lively nightlife that picks up in the dry season, and it's popular with both Costa Ricans and visitors.

A gray-sand beach and calm bay at Playas del Coco

Being close to Liberia, with plenty of shops and services, makes it a practical base for exploring the Gulf of Papagayo.

Where to stay

Rancho Armadillo Estate. A small, inclusive boutique hotel on a private 25-acre estate of dry tropical forest in the hills above Coco, built in a Spanish-colonial hacienda style. The estate is popular for weddings, couples and groups. Website: ranchoarmadillo.com.

A hacienda-style building at Rancho Armadillo

Bahia Pez Vela. A resort near Playa Ocotal, just south of Coco, with ocean views over the bay. It suits families and groups who want a quieter beach nearby. Website: bahiapezvela.com.

A pool with ocean views at Bahia Pez Vela

La Puerta del Sol. A small hotel with a pool, restaurant and bar a few minutes' walk from the beach in Coco. It doesn't seem to have its own website; it's bookable on the major booking sites.

A swimming pool at La Puerta del Sol

Eating out

Coco has a wide range of places to eat, from simple sodas (small Costa Rican diners) serving casados to seafood restaurants on the beach and international menus in the newer shopping centers along the main road into town. Restaurants come and go quickly here, so check recent reviews before you set out. Citron, the Latin fusion restaurant we recommended in 2012, has closed.

Things to do

  • Diving and snorkeling. Coco is the main base for dive trips to the Catalina Islands and the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago), known for manta rays and bull sharks in season. Several dive shops in town run daily boat trips.
  • Boat trips and fishing. Sunset cruises, snorkeling tours and sport-fishing charters leave from the beach.
  • Nearby beaches. Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa, just south and north of Coco, are quieter beaches for swimming. Our article on beaches in Guanacaste covers more.
  • Yoga. Coco has some drop-in classes, but Guanacaste's main yoga town is Nosara, about 2.5 hours' drive south. See our Nosara guide and our guide to where to do yoga in Costa Rica. The Impulso Sano studio we listed in 2012 appears to have closed; our Impulso Sano profile keeps the history.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Playas del Coco from Liberia airport?

About 30 minutes by car from Guanacaste Airport (LIR).

Is Playas del Coco good for swimming?

The bay is usually calm, though the sand is gray and the beach can be busy. For quieter swimming, try nearby Playa Ocotal or Playa Hermosa.

Can you dive from Playas del Coco?

Yes. Coco is the main base for dive trips to the Catalina Islands and the Bat Islands, with several dive shops in town.

[Updated on: 4 November 2026]

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